Border Collie Traits

Border Collie History

The border collie originated in Britain around the English and Scottish border during the 1800s.

A defining event was the advent of the first competitive sheepdog trial in 1873, in which a dog named Hemp made such a good showing that he became sought after for stud. Hemp is considered to be the father of the border collie.

Hemp and his progeny herded not by nipping and barking, as was commonplace, but by staring and stalking (known as "giving eye"). This intimidated the sheep into moving.

Early border collies were selected only for working ability, and in fact, the first breed standard, drawn up in 1906, addressed only ability, not appearance.

In 1915 the dogs, formerly referred to as sheepdogs, were named border collies.

Many border collie enthusiasts fought against recognition by the AKC, but the AKC recognized the border collie in 1995. The majority of border collies, especially working ones, are not registered with the AKC.

Border Collie Behavior Concerns

Makes an endlessly enthusiastic and energetic companion.

Playful and very good with children

Somewhat reserved with strangers

Good with other dogs and pets.

Does best with reward-based training involving games, food or praise.

Learns quickly, but can become easily bored. Border collies enjoy learning new things.

A border collie without a job to do or without mental stimulation can become frustrated and destructive. This is not a breed for a lazy person.

Border collies from working lines tend to be more active than those from companion or show lines.

Some may bark a lot.

The border collie is a leading competitor in the sports of obedience, agility and herding.

Border Collie Suggested Exercises

Makes an alert housedog.

This is an extremely active and playful dog that enjoys having a job to do. It needs a long run or exercise period every day, plus some short play sessions.

Does well in dog parks.

Games and tricks provide needed mental exercise.

Herding is a favored activity.

Agility, flyball and disk catching are also activities that exercise the mind and body, and that border collies enjoy.

Border collies tolerate cold weather, but cannot live outside in it.

Border Collie Grooming

Coat can be either smooth, where it is short all over the body; or rough, where it is medium to long in length; and flat to slightly wavy.

Coat requires brushing once or twice weekly, depending on length.

Shedding is average.

Suggested Border Collie Nutritional Needs

Border collies tend to stay in good weight, or even be somewhat lean.

Adult dogs should be fed a balanced diet, with restricted calories if the dog starts to gain too much weight.

Specialty Care

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